The Red Cross Heart of Missouri's Lifesaver Awards are all about recognizing heroes, and the chapter is calling on community members to submit nominations for who they consider local heroes.
"It's great to see the applications that come in and the stories that go behind each one of them," said Dave Griffith, the chapter's executive director. "They're people who stand up and make a difference in people's lives."
The awards cover 21 counties and encompass eight categories: Good Samaritan, Youth, Blood Drives, Military, Medical, Law Enforcement, Firefighter and Emergency Medical Services. The chapter also honors a Volunteer of the Year.
Nominations are due to the chapter office by May 1, and the Lifesaver Awards event is June 24 in Jefferson City at the Capital West Event Center. The event - cochaired by Dee Dee Shelton and Amy Berendzen - serves as a recognition event as well as a fundraiser.
"More important than money is the recognition we'll be able to give to the heroes," Griffith said. "They don't consider themselves heroes."
Jefferson City Police Department officer Meredith Friedman was one of last year's award recipients in the Law Enforcement category and said the one word she would use to describe her reaction to receiving the award is "surprising."
"I received the award and recognition for something I would do for anyone," she said.
For more information about the Lifesaver Awards or to nominate someone, visit redcross.org/hom or call the office at 1-866-815-2738.